Joe Molinar was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. After graduating from Andress High School, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served his country with honor. Representative Molinar earned the following awards in the U.S. Marine Corps: enlisted Air Crew wings, Good Conduct Ribbon, and the Presidential Service Badge (PSB). He served his country as a Marine from 1978 to 1982. Molinar joined El Paso Police Department in 1985 and specialized as a field training officer, a detective (homicide and internal affairs), sergeant, and lieutenant (patrol, special operations, and crime against children). He obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Park University. For the past twenty years, he has been actively serving his community as the president of two neighborhood associations (Castner Heights Neighborhood Association and General Maloney) and serving on various boards, commissions, and organizations.

Joe Molinar is proud to represent Northeast El Paso, the community where he grew up and resides.